Judith Williams Harris

Judith Elizabeth Williams Harris, of Colonial Heights, Virginia, entered into the presence of Jesus Christ on August 7, 2026, where she was reunited with the love of her life and those she had longed to see again.

Judy was born on October 9, 1946, in Hodge, Louisiana to the late Aubrey Williams and Ruth Whitaker Williams.

Throughout her life, Judy was deeply rooted in faith, family, friendship, and community. She was a member of Crater View Baptist Church in Petersburg, Virginia; the Alpha Omega Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority; and, for many years, the Eagles Ladies Auxiliary 882 in Petersburg.

Judy retired from Verizon after 35 years of dedicated service, but retirement did not last long. She returned to Verizon as a contractor for another five years before beginning one of the most memorable chapters of her life as the owner of Jeff's Place, a beloved landmark in Ettrick. For more than 20 years, Judy and her family welcomed and served local patrons, many of whom soon became much more than customers-they became family.

Judy was preceded in death by her son, Jerry Worley, Jr.; her daughter, Tracie Lynn Vaughan; her granddaughter, Khloe Elizabeth Vaughan; and her beloved husband of 49 years, Pat Dalton Harris.

Just 11 months before Judy made her own journey home, Pat went ahead of her to prepare their forever home in Heaven. Their reunion is one of the greatest comforts to those who loved them both.

Left to cherish Judy's memory are her daughter, Donna Gayle Worley Sheffield; her sons, Corey Harris (Kari) and Ryan Harris; and J.R. Worley, whom Judy loved like a son and to whom she was a second Momma.

She is also survived by her sister, Diane Beasley; brother, Aubrey Williams (Ann); brother-in-law, Steve Harris (Judy); her grandchildren, Jamie Beth, Amy, Scott, Kyle, Travis, Trey, Peyton, Macklin, Rafael, Davi, Sarah, and Jerry; and 17 great-grandchildren, all of whom affectionately called her "Mimi."

Judy also leaves behind special first cousins with whom she grew up in Hodge, Louisiana, and Petersburg, Virginia, as well as a host of nieces and nephews whom she adored.

Judy will be remembered as a woman who touched the hearts of nearly everyone who crossed her path. She loved big. She possessed a rare gift for making people feel seen, welcomed, important, and deeply loved. Whether you had known Judy for a lifetime or had only just met her, chances were you walked away feeling a little happier-and usually with a smile.

Above all else, Judy treasured her family. Some of her final words carried the message she most wanted her children and grandchildren to remember:

Draw close. Stick together forever. Love one another. And stay in church.

Those words will remain a guiding light for the family she loved so fiercely. The love she poured into her family and friends will continue through every story told, every laugh remembered, and every generation that follows.

She is now home-surrounded by those who went before her, resting in the presence of Jesus Christ

❤️ Forever Loved...see you soon, Momma

A funeral service will be held at 11am on Monday, August 17, 2026 at the Petersburg Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home with a visitation for friends one-hour prior. Interment will immediately follow the service at Southlawn Memorial Park.

Family & Friends Reception

A reception for family and friends will be held at Crater View Baptist Church, 626 Graham Road, Petersburg, Virginia, immediately following the graveside service